India’s Fight Against TB: Progress Made, Challenges Remain on World Tuberculosis Day

India observes World Tuberculosis Day 2025 with a mixed bag of progress and persistent challenges. While the nation has made significant strides in reducing tuberculosis (TB) incidence, it continues to bear a substantial portion of the global TB burden.

Significant Progress, But High Burden Remains

Since 2015, India has witnessed a commendable 17.7% decline in TB incidence, outpacing the global average. However, the country still accounts for a staggering 30% of the world’s total TB cases and a concerning 62% of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB cases. This high burden presents a formidable obstacle to achieving the ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025.

Experts Call for Collaborative Action

Leading health experts emphasize the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to strengthen TB control in India. Key recommendations include increased integration of the private healthcare sector in TB care, mandatory accreditation of diagnostic laboratories to ensure quality and reliability, and amplified community awareness campaigns to destigmatize the disease and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.